What's next: Baca has been accepted into ASU's Doctor of Physical Therapy program and will begin courses in June.

Whether she's in the classroom or on the softball field, in high school or in college, Luz'Ce Baca's school spirit is obvious to those around her.

When she was a senior at Central High School, Baca's classmates voted her Miss CHS because she was such a good representative of the school.

Last year her Angelo State University softball teammates nominated her for the Holland Award, which goes to the player who shows the best sportsmanship, conscientiousness and athletic ability.

"It was really nice to be nominated for the Holland Award by my peers," Baca said. "I'm not the most valuable player, but being acknowledged for my contributions was a big honor." Baca is showing her school spirit once again as an ambassador for "I Chose Angelo State," a monthlong celebration in April to encourage local and area high school students to take a closer look at ASU.

Baca graduates in May with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology-exercise science.

"I have great academic scholarships that have helped me and my family financially," Baca said. "When I graduate, I'll be closing this chapter in my life debt-free."

While Baca's softball career is ending, her relationship with ASU isn't. She has been accepted into the university's Doctor of Physical Therapy program and will begin classes this summer.

She initially chose to come to ASU because of the strength of the physical therapy program and is excited to be one step closer to her career goals.

"From the beginning," Baca said, "I've always known ASU was a good school, but every year proves it more and more."

When she wasn't doing coursework or playing softball, Baca has been active with student organizations, including the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

"I've really branched out," Baca said. "I'm a lot more outgoing now than I was in high school. There are a lot of things to get involved with here in San Angelo if you only give it a chance and go out of your comfort zone."

Baca credits ASU's Multicultural Center with helping her reach out and connect with other students on campus.

"The Multicultural Center has always been a lot of fun," Baca said. "It's like my family outside of softball, so I try to make time to stop by and visit."

Lorina Soza, program assistant in the Multicultural Center, said Baca started visiting the center during her freshman year and put effort into learning about the resources available on campus. Baca also started volunteering to help with the Multicultural Center's events and programs. "Other students from the Multicultural Center and I would make signs to cheer Luz'Ce on during her softball games," Soza said. "She comes by the center regularly to keep me abreast of what she has going on."

Soza is so close with Baca that she wrote a letter of recommendation for her to get into the physical therapy program.

"I know her hard work is going to pay off when she starts her career," Soza said. "She's such a passionate person, and she is so good at setting goals for herself." It's Baca's self-motivation and strong spirit that make her such a great representative for the "I Chose Angelo State" celebration.